Automated banking machine audible user interface system and method

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine is operative to output a visual and audible user interface which enables a consumer to operate the machine. The visual user interface includes a plurality of hierarchically organized visual screens. For each visual screen, the exemplary machine includes corresponding verbal instructions which are output through external loudspeakers or a headphone placed in operative connection with an external port of the machine. Upon insertion of the headphone into the port, the machine is operative to mute the output to any external loudspeakers and set the audio output through the headphone to a minimum or medium volume level. The automated banking machine is responsive to operating at least one volume control key to cycle the audible output through a plurality of different volume levels. For each input, the machine is operative to output verbal description of the function associated with the input.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/611,768 filed Sep. 20, 2004 pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 (e), thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically, thisinvention relates to an automated banking machine apparatus and systemthat is more readily operated by a consumer that is visually impaired.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated banking machines are well known. A common type of automatedbanking machine used by consumers is an automated teller machine(“ATM”). ATMs enable customers to carry out banking transactions. Commonbanking transactions that may be carried out with ATMs include thedispensing of cash, the receipt of deposits, the transfer of fundsbetween accounts, the payment of bills and account balance inquiries.The type of banking transactions a customer can carry out are determinedby capabilities of the particular banking machine and the programming ofthe institution operating the machine. Other types of automated bankingmachines may allow customers to charge against accounts, to pay bills,to transfer funds or to cash checks. Other types of automated bankingmachines may print or dispense items of value such as coupons, tickets,wagering slips, vouchers, checks, food stamps, money orders, scrip ortravelers' checks. For purposes of this disclosure, references to anATM, an automated banking machine or automated transaction machine shallencompass any device which carries out transactions including transfersof value.

ATMs generally include a display device which is operative to output avisual user interface. The user interface includes instructions andselectable options which visually guide a user through the operation ofthe machine. For example, ATMs often include a hierarchical menu fornavigating through a plurality of different user interface screens. Suchmenus often list various types of transaction functions which may beperformed at the ATM such as a withdrawal of cash or the deposit of acheck. Although a consumer with normal vision can readily operate suchan ATM by following the commands visually presented through the displaydevice, a consumer who is visually impaired may not be able operate suchan ATM as easily. As a result, there exists a need for an ATM which iscapable of being operated by consumers with either normal or impairedvision.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary form of the present invention to providean automated banking machine at which a user may conduct transactions.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine that may be operated by consumerswith normal vision.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine that may be operated by consumerswith impaired vision.

Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in thefollowing Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment of theinvention by an automated banking machine that includes output devicessuch as a display screen, and input devices such as a touch screen, akeyboard, card reader or other type input device. The banking machinemay further include devices such as a cash dispenser mechanism forsheets of currency, a printer mechanism, a depository mechanism andother transaction function devices that are used by the machine incarrying out banking transactions.

The banking machine is in operative connection with at least onecomputer. The computer is in operative connection with the outputdevices and the input devices, as well as with the cash dispensermechanism, and other physical transaction function devices in thebanking machine. The computer includes software programs that areexecutable therein. The software may include terminal control softwarewhich is operative to cause the machine to perform a plurality ofdifferent transaction functions. In addition, the terminal controlsoftware of the exemplary embodiment may be operative to cause themachine to provide a visual and/or an audible user interface for guidinga consumer through the operation of the machine.

In one exemplary embodiment, the terminal control software may beoperative to cause the computer to output a visual menu for navigatingbetween different user interface screens. Such screens may includetransaction information and selectable options for operating theautomated banking machine. For each visual user interface screen, theexemplary embodiment of the terminal control software may be operativeto cause the computer to output corresponding audible outputs throughexternal loudspeakers and/or an output device that is connectable to aset of headphones. The audible outputs may include verbal instructionswhich describe the functions and operations available for the currentstate of the banking machine. Such audible verbal instructions mayfurther include a description of which keys, buttons, transactionfunction devices, and other input devices to press, manipulate, oractivate in order to perform the available machine functions andoperations. In addition, such audible verbal instructions may furtherinclude a description of the relative locations of the keys, buttons,transaction function devices, and other input devices for performing thefunctions and operations. Further, such verbal instructions may includea description of how to use or manipulate the keys, buttons, transactionfunction devices, and other input devices of the banking machine. Forexample, to initially activate the automated banking machine, theaudible verbal instructions may include a description of the location ofa card reader of the machine and indicate in what orientation a card maybe inserted and/or swiped in the card reader for purposes of being read.Further audible verbal instructions may describe the types oftransaction functions that are available and which keys or other inputdevices must be pressed or manipulated in order to either select,modify, or cancel each of the transaction functions.

As used herein, the term “verbal” corresponds to spoken human languagewords generated by either a human voice or machine synthesized humanvoice emulation. In exemplary embodiments, audible verbal instructionsmay include a plurality of spoken words produced responsive to digitalor analog recordings of either a human voice or computer synthesizedvoice. In addition, audible verbal instructions may be produced directlyfrom hardware devices and/or software programs operating in the ATMwhich are capable of synthesizing human language words, sentences,syllables and other human language communication sounds. Such hardwaredevices and/or software programs for example may include text to speechsynthesizer devices which are operative to generate sound signals oraudible outputs which include verbal instructions responsive toalphanumeric text.

The exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of features whichenable the machine to be easily and conveniently used by the visuallyimpaired. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the automatedbanking machine may enable a consumer to repeat the last audible verbalinstructions with the press of a single button and/or key. Also, foreach key press or other input, the banking machine may be operative toaudibly identify the letter, number, and/or function of the key.

In the exemplary embodiment, the automated banking machine may enablethe consumer to cycle through a plurality of volume changes with thepress of a single button and/or key. Further, the banking machine may beoperative to automatically mute any external loudspeakers of the bankingmachine upon the detection of the operative connection of headphones tothe machine by a user. In addition, the exemplary embodiment of thebanking machine may be operative to set the headphone volume at apre-determined low level with each new consumer session. The consumermay then press the volume key and/or button to increase the volume levelof the headphones to a desirable level.

In exemplary embodiments, the banking machine may further be operativeto automatically stop displaying visual information through the displayscreen of the banking machine responsive to the detection of theoperative connection of headphones to the machine by the user. Forexample, all or portions of the visual information typically displayedthrough the display screen regarding the operation of the machine and/ortransaction information may be hidden from view when headphones areplaced in connection with the machine. When the headphones are removedfrom connection with the machine, the automated banking machine may beoperative to automatically display the normal visual information of themachine for its current state.

The exemplary embodiment may include a new audio system which enablesthe automated banking machine to have one or more of the previouslydescribed audible features. The new audio system may be operative toaccept and adjustably mix together inputs from a plurality of audiosources, including multimedia inputs such as MP3 streams, voice inputssuch as from WAV files, and system keyboard and/or prompting beeps. Anexemplary embodiment of the audio system may further include bothexternal and headphone connection ports which are operative toindividually and selectively amplify and output the mixed signalsthrough external loudspeakers and headphones placed in operativeconnection with connection ports.

The audio system may be operative to detect the connection of aheadphone to the headphone port, automatically mute the output to theexternal port which is connected with external speakers, and set theheadphone volume at a minimum level. In addition, the exemplary audiosystem may be operative to detect the removal of the headphone fromconnection with the headphone port, and automatically reinstitute theoutput through the external port.

In the exemplary embodiment, the new audio system may further beoperative to selectively step through a plurality of headphone volumelevels responsive to one or more volume changing inputs. Such inputs maybe directly received from a key or button in operative connection withthe new audio system. In alternative exemplary embodiments of the audiosystem, signals corresponding to a volume change may be received fromone or more buttons of the banking machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view representative of an exemplary embodimentof an ATM incorporating features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the exemplary embodiment of the ATM.

FIGS. 3-13 are schematic views of the exemplary embodiment of the ATM ina plurality of different states of operation.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary audio system.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein a perspective view of an exemplary automated banking machinesuch as an ATM 10 including certain features of the present invention.The exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10 includes output devices such as adisplay device 12 and external loudspeakers 13. The display device 12 isoperative to provide a consumer with a user interface 18 that includes aplurality of screens or other outputs including selectable options foroperating the machine. The external loudspeakers 13 may be operative toprovide a consumer with audible music, beeps, signals, and/or verbalinstructions for operating the machine.

The exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10 may further include at least oneoutput device such as an external port 11. In the exemplary embodimentof the ATM 10, the external port 11 includes a speaker port such as aheadphone port 21 for operatively connecting portable speaker devicessuch as a set of headphones 15 to the ATM. In other exemplaryembodiments, the external port 11 may comprise a wireless connectionport. For example, in an alternative exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10,the external port 11 may include a wireless communication device whichis operative to communicate with a wireless headphone set or otherexternal device capable of providing audible, visual or other userperceivable outputs. Such wireless communication devices may communicatewith the external device using RF or IR, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment, the external port 11 may include a base 17with a useful shape that is not flush with the fascia 19 of the ATM 10.The shape of the base 17 may have a distinctive contour which enables aconsumer with impaired vision to quickly locate the external port bytouching the fascia 19 and base 17 of the ATM. For example, in oneexemplary embodiment, the base of the external port may include aconcave portion with a female headphone jack or port 21 positionedgenerally in the center of the concave portion. In further exemplaryembodiments, the base 17 of the external jack may extend from the fascia19 and have a distinctive contour or edge shape such as that of asquare, circle, triangle, or other unique shape that is identifiable bytouch.

The exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10 may include a plurality of inputdevices such as function keys 14 and a keypad 16. The exemplaryembodiment of the ATM 10 may further include other types of inputdevices, such as a touch screen, microphone, card reader 26, biometricreader or any other device that is operative to provide the ATM withinputs representative of user instructions or information. The exemplaryembodiment of the ATM 10 may further include a plurality of transactionfunction devices, such as a sheet or cash dispenser 20, receipt printer24 and other devices.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of components which may be included in anexemplary embodiment of the ATM and a system in which it is operated.The ATM 10 may include at least one computer 30. The computer 30 may bein operative connection with the input device(s) 32, the outputdevice(s) 34, the transaction function device(s) 36 and at least onedata store 38. The exemplary embodiment further includes one or moresoftware application(s) 40 operative in the computer 30. The softwareapplications may include for example terminal control software,maintenance software, diagnostic software and any other software thatenables the ATM to perform transaction functions for users and/orenables authorized representatives of an operator of the ATM to service,configure and maintain the ATM. An exemplary embodiment of an ATM may beoperative to communicate with a host banking system 42 to enable aconsumer to perform such exemplary transaction functions as withdrawingcash from an account through operation of the cash dispenser device 20,depositing checks or other items with the depository device, performinga balance inquiry for a financial account and transferring value betweenaccounts.

The exemplary embodiment may be operative to provide a consumer with auser interface that may be visually displayed and/or output in audibleform for the consumer. The exemplary user interface may guide theconsumer through the selection of one or more functions which are to beperformed by the ATM. Such functions may include a plurality ofdifferent transaction functions such as the dispense of cash, balanceinquiries, deposits and transfers. However, such functions may alsoinclude options for navigating through the user interface such asfunctions for canceling or confirming a selection. Functions may alsoinclude options for configuring the user interface, such as changing thehuman language output through the user interface or changing the volumeof the audio output of the ATM. In addition, functions may also includeoptions for making the user interface more user friendly, such asfunctions that repeat an audible instruction, or that provide help or adescription for other functions of the ATM.

The exemplary embodiment of the ATM includes at least one softwareapplication such as a terminal control software program that at anygiven time is operative to be in one of a plurality of different states.To perform transaction functions, the terminal control software mayprogresses between the various states, prompting the user to inputdifferent types of information in some states and performing atransaction function in other states in response to the inputtedinformation.

The exemplary embodiment of the ATM may operate to organize differenttransaction functions into a hierarchy using a plurality of menus andsub-menus (also referred to herein as “screens”). A menu may be visuallyand/or audibly output to the consumer for each of the different statesthe ATM is operative to progress through to select and perform thetransaction functions. Each menu may be operative to list thosefunctions which may be performed in any given state of the ATM.Selecting an option or function visually listed or verbally described ina menu may cause the ATM to change to a different state which causes adisplay and/or output of an audible verbal description of a sub-menu ofoptions or functions available to be performed by the ATM in the newstate.

The exemplary data store 38 of the ATM may be operative to storetherein, information for generating visible outputs and audible outputsthat are representative of menus and sub-menus for a plurality ofdifferent states 50 of the ATM. Such information, for example mayinclude stored data for producing visible outputs such as visual screendata 52 for operative states of the ATM. Such information may furtherinclude stored data for producing audio outputs such as MP3 or WAV soundfiles 56 which include verbal instructions for operative states of theATM. Such stored data for producing audio outputs may also includealphanumeric text messages 54 (also referred to herein as“text-to-speech data”), which may be used by the computer 30 to generateaudible verbal instructions for operative states of the ATM. Inexemplary embodiments, the visual screen data 52 may be accessed by thecomputer and used to produce visible outputs through the display device12. Also, the audio output data such as the sound files 56 and/or textmessages 54 may be accessed by the computer and used to produce audibleoutputs with verbal instructions or descriptions through externalloudspeakers 13 and/or headphones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ATMmay received visual screen data and/or audio output data from a hostbanking system.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ATM 10 may further include a sound system device60 in operative connection with the computer. The exemplary sound systemdevice 60 may be operative to produce signals that produce audibleoutputs. Such signals may be directed to the external port 11 and/or theexternal loudspeakers 13. In one exemplary embodiment, the sound systemdevice may be operative to selectively mix and amplify a plurality ofdifferent audio input signals to generate an amplified audible outputsignal. Alternative exemplary embodiments of the ATM 10 may furtherinclude a text to speech synthesizer device 62 which is operative toconvert the text messages 54 into the verbal instructions ordescriptions included in the audible outputs of the ATM.

The exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10 may be designed to be used byconsumers with normal vision as well as users who have impaired visionor who are blind. For example, a user with normal vision may view thedisplay screen to read instructions for operating the ATM 10. A userwith impaired vision may listen to verbal instructions and descriptionsoutput from the external loudspeakers 13. In addition, a user withimpaired vision may operatively connect a personal set of headphones 15or other device with the external port 11 of the ATM to listen to verbalinstructions and descriptions in private. As used herein, the phrases“verbal instructions” or “verbal descriptions” are used interchangeably,and may include verbal instructions, commands, descriptions, and/or anyother verbal information.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sound system device 60 may be operativeto detect the impedance change across the external port 11 whenheadphones 15 are electrically connected to the external port. When theconnection is detected, the sound system device 60 and/or computer 30may be operative to mute any audible output being directed to theexternal loudspeakers 13. The computer may then be operative to outputprivate verbal instructions through the headphones which describe to theuser how the ATM may be operated. In exemplary embodiments, muting anaudible output may include the computer or the sound system deviceoperating to lower the volume level of the audible output through theexternal speakers to a generally silent level. Muting an audible outputmay also include stopping the playing or production of audio outputs bythe computer or the sound system device.

Upon detection of the connection of the headphones or other externaldevice to the external port, the sound system and/or the computer may beoperative to change the volume level of the audible output beingdirected to the headphones or other device through the external port toa predetermined level. Such a predetermined level may correspond to arelatively low volume level that is not likely to cause discomfort tothe majority of consumers using the ATM. In the exemplary embodiment,the sound system may be in operative connection with one or more volumechanging switches, keys, dials, buttons or other devices which areaccessible to the consumer. After the operative connection of theheadphones or other device to the external port, the volume changingdevices may be operated by the consumer to increase or decrease thevolume level as desired by the consumer. In an exemplary embodiment, thesound system device may further be operative to detect when theheadphone has been disconnected with the external port. When this occursthe sound system and/or the computer may be operative to mute theaudible output to the external port and institute the audible outputthrough the external loudspeakers.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, a key of a keypad of the ATM maybe operative to control the volume of audio outputs. When a designatedvolume key of the keypad or other key is pressed or actuated, thecomputer may be operative to cause the ATM to change the current volumelevel and audibly output a word such as “Volume” at the newly selectedvolume level. For example, when a consumer presses the volume key of thekeypad twice in succession, an exemplary embodiment of the bankingmachine may be operative to output the word “Volume” twice with thesecond occurrence of the word “Volume” being louder than the firstoccurrence. When the volume has reached a maximum level, the next timethe volume key of the keypad is pressed, the exemplary embodiment of theATM may be operative to return the volume level to a predeterminedminimum usable volume level and output a word such as “Volume” at thecorresponding minimum volume level.

FIGS. 3-8 show schematic views of the ATM 10 in a plurality of differentstates. Such states are examples of one exemplary path a consumer maytake through the hierarchy of user interface menus for purposes ofoperating the ATM 10. FIG. 3 shows the ATM 10 in a first mode or state102 which may be active when a user first approaches the machine. Herethe ATM is operative to attract or invite consumers to use the servicesof the ATM. The exemplary embodiment of the ATM may include a visibleoutput 104 through a display device of the ATM. The visible output mayinclude indicia such as text which informs the consumer that the cardmay be swiped for initiating operation of the machine.

For users that are visually impaired, the exemplary embodiment of theATM may further be operative to output an audible output 106 throughexternal loudspeakers or headphones of the consumer. Such an audibleoutput 106 may include verbal instructions 108 which inform the consumerwhich types of transaction functions can be performed at the machine.The verbal instructions 108 may also describe the locations of inputdevices such as a keypad 110 of the ATM and may describe the physicallocations and/or configurations of the input devices. In addition, theverbal instructions may describe how the input device may be manipulatedto select different functions of the machine and may further describewhat the functions perform. Also, the verbal instructions may describethe location of transaction function devices and describe how thetransaction function devices may be used.

For example, in the state shown in FIG. 3, the verbal instructions mayindicate that the ATM offers transaction functions such as withdrawals,balance inquiries and transfers. In addition the verbal instructions mayindicate that the keypad 110 is located below the display device.Further, the verbal instructions may indicate that the keypad isorganized similar to a telephone keypad. Also, the verbal instructionsmay describe the locations of certain keys of the keypad, includingtheir function. For example, the star “*” key 112 may be indicated to bebelow the seven “7” key 116 and is operative to help the consumer learnthe function of any active key. The pound “#” key 114 may be indicatedto be below the nine “9” key 118 and is used for volume control. Afourth column 120 of keys in the exemplary keypad may be described asincluding from top to bottom an enter key 122, a clear key 124, a cancelkey 126, and a repeat key 128. In exemplary embodiments, the verbalinstructions 108 may further indicate that the swipe card reader isvertically orientated and is located to the right of the headphone jack.In exemplary embodiments, audible outputs may also indicate that theswipe reader is to be used by holding a credit or debit card verticallywith the top toward the ATM and with the raised numbers to the left andby swiping the card quickly down through the slot in the reader. Ofcourse these outputs are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the exemplary embodiment of the ATM may be operativeto change to a second state 130, after the consumer successfully swipesand/or inserts a card using the card reader of the ATM. In this secondstate 130, the ATM may be operative to accept the input of a PersonalIdentification Number (PIN). The visible output 132 and/or the audibleoutput 134 produced when the ATM is in this state, may request that theconsumer enter a PIN. As a consumer presses each of the numeric keys136-139 of the keypad which correspond to the consumer's PIN, theexemplary embodiment of the ATM may be operative to visually and/oraudibly acknowledge each input. For example, the visible output 132 maybe updated with each key press to display an additional asterisk symbol140-143. In addition, with each key press the ATM may be operative toproduce additional audible outputs 145-148 which may include a beep, orother sound acknowledging each input. When the user presses the enterkey 150, the exemplary embodiment of the ATM is operative to produce afurther audible output which includes a verbal descriptionrepresentative of the enter key such as for example the word “ENTER.”

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, upon the detection of theconnection of the headphones or other external device to the externalport, the computer of the ATM may be operative to cause all or portionsof the visible outputs typically provided through the display device ofthe ATM for a particular state of the ATM to be hidden from view. Hidingthe visible outputs is operative to increase the privacy of the visuallyimpaired person using the ATM and prevent a person standing near the ATMfrom spying on the transaction being performed at the ATM by thevisually impaired person.

In exemplary embodiments the computer may be operative to keep theentire screen blank while the headphones remain connected to theexternal port of the ATM. In other exemplary embodiments, portions ofthe display screen may continue to display non-confidential informationwhile private information associated with a transaction and/or theoperation of the machine is only provided verbally through theheadphones rather than being displayed on the display screen.

Examples of private information that is not shown through the displayscreen may include inputted numbers associated with an amount of cash towithdrawal or the value of an item being deposited such as a check.Other examples of private information not shown through the displaydevice may include an account balance or any other transactioninformation that an ATM is capable of displaying. Further other types ofinformation not shown through the display device may include informationwhich shows the current state of the ATM, such as whether the ATM isbeing used to withdrawal cash or deposit an item.

Upon detection of the headphones or other external device beingdisconnected from the external port, the computer of the ATM may beoperative to redisplay the visible outputs through the display device ofthe ATM which correspond to the current state of the ATM.

In exemplary embodiments where the display screen is not completely madeblank while headphones are connected, the ATM may be operation todisplay a visual message, advertisement, or other non-confidentialinformation. For example a visual message may be displayed which statesthat the current visible output may be redisplayed by removing theheadphones and/or by providing a specified input. For example, if theperson using the ATM has at least some vision ability, the person mayprefer to both view visible outputs related to the transaction throughthe display screen of the ATM and listen to the verbal instructionsrelated to the transaction through headphones. In this embodiment, thecomputer of the ATM may be responsive to the detection of a specifiedinput through one of the input devices of the ATM to cause the visualoutputs for the current state of the ATM to be redisplayed whilecontinuing to output verbal instructions to the headphones.

Referring to FIG. 4, once the consumer inputs a PIN and presses theenter key 150 of the keypad, the exemplary embodiment of the ATM may beoperative to change to a third state in which the ATM is operative toenable the consumer to select one of a plurality of transactionfunctions to be performed with the ATM. As shown in FIG. 5, when the ATMis in a third state 160 the ATM may produce a visible output 162 whichlists the transaction functions 164 and visually points to the functionkeys 166 that are operative to select each transaction function.

In the exemplary embodiment of the ATM, this described third state maycause the computer in the ATM to produce audible outputs 168 whichdescribe which keys of the keypad are operative to select certaintransaction functions. For example, in this described embodiment it maybe indicated that the five “5” key may be actuated to select awithdrawal, the six “6” key may be actuated to select a balance inquiry,and the seven key “7” may be actuated to select a transfer.

In the exemplary embodiment, the ATM may be operative to provide aconsumer with help to learn which keys perform which functions. Forexample, if the consumer wishes to verify that the five “5” keycorresponds to a withdrawal transaction function without actuallyselecting a withdrawal transaction function, the consumer may press thestar “*” key of the keypad prior to pressing the five “5” key. In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment the star “*” key may indicate to the ATMthat the next following key is to be verbally described or named. Asshown in FIG. 5, when the consumer presses the star “*” key 170 followedby the five “5” key 172, the ATM may be operative to produce a furtheraudible output 174 which verbally indicates the name of the functionsuch as “Withdrawal.” When a help key such as the star “*” key 170 isactuated in this embodiment, the ATM may only describe the functionassociated with the next key press rather than changing to a furtherstate corresponding to such a key press.

If the consumer presses the star “*” key 170 followed by a key that isnot associated with a function in the current state, such as the one “1”key 176, the exemplary embodiment of the ATM may be operative to producea further audible output 178. The further audible output may verballyindicate that the key is not being used in the current state of the ATMwith an expression such as “Un-used.”

In an exemplary embodiment, the second key for which the user wishes toreceive an indication of the function must be pressed within apredetermined time period after the star “*” key 170 is pressed. Such atime period may for example be ten seconds. Of course, these approachesare exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment, when a consumer selects a transaction bypressing a key associated with the transaction, such as the five “5” key172 without pressing the star “*” key 170, the ATM may be operative tochange to a fourth state and produce another audible output 180 whichverbally indicates to the user the name of the selected function. Asshown in FIG. 6, the fourth state 190 may include a visual and/or anaudible request that the consumer select or input additional informationassociated with the performance of the selected transaction function.With a withdrawal transaction, the fourth state may include a visibleoutput 192 which lists the type of accounts 196 that the consumer mayselect for purposes of making the withdrawal. An audible output 194 maylikewise verbally output a list of the types of accounts along with acorresponding key of the keypad to press for selecting each account. Asdiscussed previously, when the consumer selects a key, the exemplaryembodiment of the ATM may be operative to produce a further audibleoutput 200, which verbally describes what the consumer has selected. Forexample, if the consumer presses the five “5” key 198, the audibleoutput 200 may indicate the name of the selection by outputting a wordsuch as “Checking.”

For a withdrawal transaction function, the exemplary embodiment maychange to a further state after a selection of an account has been made.FIG. 7 shows an example of a fifth state 210, in which the ATM may beoperative to accept the selection of an amount of cash to be withdrawn.Here, the ATM may be operative to produce a visible output 212 whichlists a plurality of currency amounts 214 which may be selected.Likewise, the ATM may be operative to produce an audible output 216which verbally indicates which keys of the keypad to press in order toselect a particular currency amount.

In this described exemplary embodiment, the five “5” key 218 correspondsto the selection of another amount for a withdrawal. When this key ispressed, while the ATM is in the fifth state, the ATM is operative tocause the ATM to change to a sixth state and is operative to produce afurther audible output 220 which verbally describes this selection witha word such as “Other.” As shown in FIG. 8, when the exemplaryembodiment of the ATM is in a sixth state 230, the ATM may be operativeto enable the consumer to enter a specific amount of cash to withdraw,which amount may be other than one of the predetermined amountspreviously presented. Here, the ATM may be operative to produce avisible output 232 which requests that the consumer enter an amount forthe withdrawal in a currency such as dollars. The exemplary embodimentof the ATM may further be operative to produce an audible output 234which verbally requests that the consumer enter an amount which includesa fractional currency portion such as cents on the keypad.

If for some reason the consumer did not hear or understand all of theverbal instructions 240 of the audible output 234, the exemplaryembodiment of the ATM may be operative to enable the consumer to causethe ATM to repeat the verbal instructions 240. In an exemplaryembodiment, the ATM may be operative to produce a further audible output236 which includes a repeat of the verbal instructions 240 responsive tothe consumer pressing a repeat key 238 of the keypad. If the repeat keyis pressed before the verbal instructions 240 in the audible output 234have been completely outputted, the exemplary embodiment of the ATM maybe operative to interrupt the audible output 234 and immediately beginoutputting the further audible output 236. The further audible output236 may then repeat the verbal instructions 240 from the beginning. Inother exemplary embodiments, the ATM may be operative to produce furtheraudible outputs 236 which include a repeat of the verbal instructions240 responsive to actuation of any un-used key of the keypad which isnot associated with another function or a selection available in thecurrent state of the ATM.

When the consumer enters an amount of a withdrawal by pressing thenumber keys 242-245, the exemplary embodiment of the ATM may beoperative to update the visible output 232 to produce visible outputs248-251 with indicia representative of the current amount entered. Also,the ATM may be operative to produce further audible outputs 254-257which verbally describe the number associated with the key that waspressed. In the exemplary embodiment, as each key is pressed, the ATMmay be operative to determine a new current amount of value. The lasttwo keys pressed may correspond to the fractional portion of the amountsuch as the cents portion in U.S. currency. The current amount may bestored in a memory or buffer in operative connection with the computerof the ATM. Pressing the repeat key 238 while a withdrawal amount hasbeen or is being entered, may cause the ATM to produce a further audibleoutput 260 which verbally indicates the current amount stored in thememory of the ATM. In an exemplary embodiment, the audible output 260may also include a repeat of the verbal instructions 240.

When the consumer has completed entering an amount, the consumer maypress the enter key 264. Pressing the enter key may cause the ATM tochange to a seventh state and produce another audible output 262 whichverbally describes that the enter key has been pressed. FIG. 9represents the ATM in a seventh state 270. Here, the exemplaryembodiment of the ATM may be operative to produce a visible output 272which requests that the consumer verify that the amount entered in thepreceding state is correct. The ATM may also be operative to produce anaudible output 274 which verbally indicates the current amount enteredand requests that the consumer press keys of the keypad to verify thatthe amount is either correct or incorrect. In this described exemplaryembodiment, the consumer may verify the amount by pressing the seven “7”key 276 of the keypad. When the seven “6” key is pressed, the ATM may beoperative to produce an audible output 278 that verbally indicates adescription of the selection by outputting a word such as “OK.”

Once an amount has been verified by the consumer, if the ATM isconfigured to charge a surcharge for the transaction, the ATM may changeto a further state such as the eighth state 280 shown in FIG. 10. Here,the exemplary embodiment of the ATM may be operative to produce avisible output 282 which discloses the fee for the withdrawal andrequests that the user accept or decline the surcharge. The ATM mayfurther be operative to produce an audible output 284 which verballydescribes the fee and indicates which keys of the keypad may be pressedin order to accept or decline the surcharge.

If the consumer accepts the charge by pressing the seven “7” key 286 forexample, the ATM may be operative to produce the further audible output288 which verbally indicates that the user has accepted the surcharge byoutputting a word such as “Accept.” Once a consumer has accepted thesurcharge (if applicable for the transaction), the exemplary embodimentof the ATM may be operative to change to a ninth state 290 representedin FIG. 11 in which the ATM produces a visible output 292 and/or anaudible output 294 which indicates that the transaction is beingprocessed. Once the withdrawal has been authorized, the ATM may beoperative to change to a tenth state 300 represented in FIG. 12. In thisstate the exemplary embodiment of the ATM may produce a visible output302 and/or an audible output 304 which indicate that the ATM is in theprocess of dispensing the requested amount.

Once the exemplary embodiment of the ATM has dispensed an amount of cashwith the cash dispenser that corresponds to the requested amount, theATM may be operative to change to an eleventh state 310 as representedin FIG. 13. In the eleventh state the ATM may be operative to produce avisible output 312 and/or an audible output 314 which indicate that theconsumer may take the dispensed amount of cash and a receipt from theATM. In addition, the verbal instructions 316 of the audible output mayfurther describe the locations of the opening through which cash isdelivered and the opening through which a receipt is delivered on theATM.

Once the transaction function has been completed, the exemplaryembodiment of the ATM may return to a previous state such as thedescribed third state 160 shown in FIG. 5 for selecting anothertransaction or the described first state 102 shown in FIG. 3 forattracting new consumers. It is to be understood that the described ATMstates, visible outputs, and audible outputs are examples of performingonly one type of transaction with the exemplary embodiment. Othertransaction functions for the described ATM and alternative exemplaryembodiments of the ATM may have additional and/or other types of ATMstates, visible outputs, and audible outputs.

In some exemplary embodiments, pre-existing ATMs which do not offer auser interface for the visually impaired may be upgraded to include someor all of the previously described features. Such an upgrade may includeinstalling new terminal control software that is operative to cause thecomputer to direct the previously described audible outputs through asound system device of the ATM. Such upgraded terminal control softwaremay further be operative to cause the ATM to repeat verbal instructions,provide verbal help for selections, and/or change the volume of theaudible output as described previously.

In addition, such an upgrade of a pre-existing ATM may include theinstallation of an audio system that is operative to further enable anATM to have some or all of the previously described features. FIG. 14shows an example of an audio system 330 which is adapted to provide anATM with support for headphones 340 using an exemplary embodiment of asound system device 332. The sound system device 332 may be adapted toaccept one or more audio signals through audio input ports 334-336. Suchinput ports may be connected to the output ports of one or more audiooutput devices of the ATM. For example, such audio output devices of anATM may include a sound card that is operative responsive to operationof the computer associated with the ATM to produce sound signals fromWAV or MP3 files. In addition, the ATM may include audio output devicesfor generating audio signals with beeps and other prompting sounds toassist a consumer in operating the ATM. Also, the exemplary embodimentof the ATM may include a text-to-speech synthesizer audio output deviceand/or software which is operative to produce audio signals with verbalinstructions responsive to alphanumeric text-based instructions includedin visual display outputs.

The exemplary sound system device 332 may include a controller 350 thatis operative to manipulate one or more audio signals individuallythrough the audio input ports 334-336. The controller 350 may include anamplifier 362 and mixing circuits 364 which are operative to selectivelyamplify and mix the audio input signals together to produce one or moreamplified audio signals. Such amplified audio signals may be selectivelydirected by the controller 350 through one or more of the external ports340, 342 of the sound system device. In an exemplary embodiment, theexternal ports 340, 342 correspond to speaker ports that are adapted toreleasably connect to headphones and external loudspeakers. In theexemplary embodiment, the sound system device 332 may include one ormore selectable adjustable switches 366 such as jumpers, dip switches,or other electronic switches which can be configured to set relativeamplification and other characteristics for mixing one or more audiosignals received from the audio input ports 334-336.

In an exemplary embodiment of the sound system device 332, thecontroller may be in operative connection with a volume change inputport 352. The volume change input port 352 may be operative to receiveelectrical signals responsive to the operation of one or more volumecontrols such as a momentary switch, key, button or other consumeraccessible switch. The controller 350 may be configured to cycle throughone of a plurality of volume levels responsive to the electrical signalsreceived from the operation of the volume control. The controller 350may be operative to amplify the amplified audio signals responsive tothe currently selected volume level. When the volume level reaches amaximum level, the exemplary controller may be operative to change thevolume level to a predetermined minimum level responsive to the nextelectrical signal received from operation of the volume control.

In this described exemplary embodiment, the ATM may include a volumecontrol such as a button adjacent the keypad which is in operativeconnection with the volume change input port 352 of the sound systemdevice 332. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the controller maybe operative to receive volume changing signals from the computer of theATM. Terminal control software may be configured to detect events suchas the clicking of a pound “#” key of the keypad and cause the computerto output a volume changing signal to the sound system device.

As discussed previously, the sound system device may be operative tomute amplified audio signals being directed through the external port342 for external loudspeakers, responsive to the sound system devicedetecting the connection of headphones to the external port 340 forheadphones. In an exemplary embodiment the controller 350 may beoperatively configured to detect the impedance change across theexternal port 340 when headphones are electrically connected to theexternal port. In the exemplary embodiment, when the connection isdetected the controller 350 may be operative to switch off any amplifiedaudio signals being directed to the external port 342 for the externalloudspeakers.

In addition, upon detection of the connection of the headphones thecontroller 350 may be operative to change the volume level of theamplified audio signals being directed to the external port 340 for theheadphones to a predetermined level selected from one of the pluralityof volume levels produced by the sound system device. Such apredetermined level may be configured with a jumper, dip switch, orother selectable switch associated with the sound system device. Thepredetermined level for example may be set to a volume level that isloud enough to be capable of being heard by almost all consumers, but issufficiently low to be unlikely to cause discomfort to the majority ofconsumers using headphones with an ATM.

In the exemplary embodiment, the controller may further be operative todetect when the headphone has been disconnected from the external port340 for the headphones. When this occurs the controller may be operativeto mute the amplified audio signals to the external port 340 for theheadphone and institute the delivery of amplified audio signals to theexternal port 342 for external loudspeakers.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the controller 350 may be inoperative connection with a logical condition output port 354 that isadapted to communicate with the computer. The controller 350 may beoperative responsive to the detection of the headphones connected to theexternal port 340 for the headphones, to set the logical conditionoutput port 354 to an electrical condition representative of true or on.When the controller 350 detects that the headphones are no longerconnected to the external port 340 for headphones, the controller may beoperative to set the logical condition output port 354 to an electricalcondition representative of false or off.

In the exemplary embodiment, the computer of the ATM may be configuredto poll or monitor the condition of the logical condition output port354. The terminal control software may be configured to turn on or offaudible outputs being directed to the audio input ports 334-336 of thesound system responsive to the current condition of the logicalcondition output port 354. Thus for example, when the headphones are notattached, the exemplary embodiment of the ATM may be configured tooutput system beeps and other prompting sounds through the externalloudspeakers. However, when headphones are connected and the conditionof the logical condition output port 354 changes to true or on, theexemplary terminal control software may be programmed to begin producingaudio output with verbal instructions for operating the machine which isdirected to the headphones.

In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the sound system devicemay further include a wireless transmitter 360. Such a transmitter maybe operatively configured to transmit a wireless audio signal through anexternal port of the sound system device. Such a wireless audio signalmay be received by a wireless receiver of the consumer such as wirelessheadphones or other suitable external device usable by the consumer forreceiving outputs from the ATM.

In alternative embodiments, the wireless audio signal may be encryptedby the ATM to minimize possible eavesdropping on the transaction by athird party. Such encryption may include a handshaking protocol betweenthe ATM and the headphones or other wireless receiver device of theconsumer which verifies that the consumer currently accessing the ATM isthe only party that can decipher the audio signals in the wirelesstransmission from the ATM. For example, in one exemplary embodiment,wireless audio signals between the headphones and the ATM may betransmitted using wireless network technology such as BlueTooth or IEEE802.11. In such embodiments, the ATM may output to each consumer withinrange of the ATM a verbal message which includes a unique session code.When the consumer has access to the machine, the consumer can entertheir unique access code before entering a PIN. Based on the uniqueaccess code entered, the ATM may then direct the audio signals relatedto operating the ATM only to the set of wireless headphones whichoriginally received the access code from the ATM.

In further exemplary embodiments, the ATM may be configured to directprivate wireless audio signals to the headphones or other receiverdevice of the consumer based on information retrieved from the card orother input used to access the ATM by the consumer. For example, suchinformation from or correlated with data on the card or other input mayenable the ATM to retrieve or determine a private network address,encryption key, digital certificate, or other information associatedwith the headphones of the consumer, which may be used by the ATM toestablish secure and private communications with head phones or otherwireless devices of the consumer.

In further alternative exemplary embodiments, the handshaking protocolbetween the ATM and the wireless headphones or receiving device used bythe consumer may be based on a biometric input received from theconsumer currently accessing the ATM. Such biometric input for examplemay include a fingerprint scan, facial recognition system or otherbiometric scan of the consumer. The ATM may then selectively sendprivate wireless audio signals only to that set of headphones which isoperatively configured with information that corresponds to thebiometric input corresponding to the particular user.

The exemplary embodiments of an audible user interface system and methodhave been described for use with an automated banking machine such as anATM. However, it is to be understood that one or more of the featuresdescribed related to providing an audible user interface may also beused in other self-service terminals such as voting machines and kiosks.

As discussed previously, exemplary embodiments of automated bankingmachines such as ATMs may output verbal instructions in response toalphanumeric text messages 54. Such ATMs may include a text-to-speechdevice 62 and/or text-to-speech software which is operative to convertthe alphanumeric text messages 54 to verbal audible outputs. Asdiscussed previously, such alphanumeric text messages 54 are alsoreferred to herein as text-to-speech data.

The text-to-speech data may be stored in a local data store of themachine. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, text-to-speech datamay be included in one or more files stored on a hard drive of themachine. One or more of the text-to-speech files may be associated withvisual screen data 52 also stored on the machine for use with generatingvisible outputs through the display device of the machine. In exemplaryembodiments, screen data 52 may specify which text-to-speech files toaccess for use with generating audible outputs during the display of thevisible outputs.

In exemplary embodiments, the text-to-speech data may be transferred tothe machine from a remote server such as a host banking system.Although, in exemplary embodiments, host banking system software may beupdated to accommodate the transfer of text-to-speech data to ATMs,alternative exemplary embodiments may include a new method of usingexisting or legacy host banking systems to transfer text-to-speech datato an ATM. Such a method may include providing monitoring software onthe ATM which is capable of detecting and retrieving text-to-speech datafrom legacy messages originally designed for other types of ATMconfiguration data.

For example, legacy ATM protocols such as Diebold 91× may includemessages which are operative to transfer screen data to ATMs from a hostbanking system. Such legacy protocols for transferring screen data mayinclude attributes which are associated with or are used to label thescreen data being transferred using the protocol. Examples of suchattributes associated with screen data messages may include a screenname/number and a bank number.

An exemplary embodiment of the described monitoring software may beoperative to monitor one or more of such attributes in the screen datamessages. Screen data messages which include text-to-speech data mayinclude predefined values for one or more of these attributes which themonitoring software is operative to recognize as indicating that thescreen data message includes text-to-speech data. When such predefinedattributes are detected the monitoring software is operative to read thetext-to-speech data from the screen data messages and store thetext-to-speech data on the machine.

In an exemplary embodiment the attributes used to indicate the presenceof text-to-speech data in the screen data messages may also be used tospecify, label, or describe features of the text-to-speech data. Forexample the attributes may be used to identify the human languageassociated with the text-to-speech data (e.g., English or Spanish). Suchattributes may also provide information usable by the monitoringsoftware to label or name the text-to-speech data.

For example, the following data may be included in a screen data messagesent to an automated banking machine from a host banking system:

-   -   015 900 [E]_(—)000 Please select your transaction. For a        withdrawal press 1. To make a deposit, press 2. To transfer        money, press 3

An exemplary embodiment of the monitoring software may be operative tomonitor the attribute associated with the bank number for values whichindicate that the screen data message includes text-to-speech data. Inthis described exemplary embodiment, bank numbers greater than or equalto 900 are used to specify that text-to-speech data is present in themessage. When bank numbers greater than or equal to 900 are detected bythe monitoring software, the monitoring software may be operative to usethe information provided in the screen data message to generate atext-to-speech file.

In an exemplary embodiment, the text-to-speech file generated may beplaced in a predetermined and/or configurable directory on the machine.In other exemplary embodiments, the text-to-speech file may be placed ina directory specified by the screen data in the message. For example, inan exemplary embodiment the bank number may be used to specify a name ofa directory on the hard drive of the machine to store the text-to-speechfile. Each directory may correspond to a different human language, sothat all text-to-speech files stored in a particular directorycorrespond to the same human language.

In the above example, the screen data message includes the bank numberof 900. In exemplary embodiments, a bank number with a value of 900 maycorrespond to a human language such as English. Also, in such exemplaryembodiments, a bank number with a value of 901 may correspond to anotherhuman language such as Spanish.

When the screen data is associated with the bank number with the valueof 900, the monitoring software may be operative to generate and store acorresponding text-to-speech file in a directory reserved for Englishlanguage text-to-speech files. Whereas, when the screen data isassociated with the bank number with the value of 901, the monitoringsoftware may be operative to generate and store a correspondingtext-to-speech file in a directory reserved for Spanish languagetext-to-speech files.

In one exemplary embodiment, text-to-speech directories may includenames which correspond to all or portions of the bank number or otherattribute which are used to specify the human language of thetext-to-speech data. For example, text-to-speech files may be placed ina directory with a name that corresponds to one or more of the digits ofits associated bank number. Thus text-to-speech files associated withthe bank number of 900 may be placed in a directory with a name such as“lang000,” while text-to-speech files associated with the bank number of901 may be placed in a directory with a name such as “lang001.”Likewise, text-to-speech files associated with the bank number of 902may be placed in a directory with a name such as “lang002.” In thisdescribed exemplary embodiment, one or more of the digits or othercharacters which distinguish between the different bank numbers or otherattributes may be used in the name of corresponding directories used tostore the text-to-speech files.

In exemplary embodiments, other data or attributes associated with thescreen data message may be used by the monitoring software to generate aname for the generated text-to-speech file. For example, in the aboveexample, the screen data message includes a screen name attribute with avalue of “015.” This screen name may be included in the name of thegenerated text-to-speech file. Also, in the above example, the screendata following the bank number includes a letter “E” in brackets. Themonitoring software may also be operative to identify the letter betweenthe brackets following the bank number and use the identified letter inthe name of the file.

As a result, the corresponding file name generated by the monitoringsoftware from the above example of a screen data message may include thecharacters “E015.” In exemplary embodiments, the monitoring software mayinclude other characters in the file names such as a descriptive pre-fixand extensions. In one exemplary embodiment, generated text-to-speechfiles include a prefix such as “TT” and an extension such as “htm.” Forthe above example of screen data, the corresponding text-to-speech filename would be “TTE015.htm.”

In exemplary embodiments, the monitoring software may be operative togenerate text-to-speech files which include HTML tags, Java script, VBscript, XML, and/or other code which is operative to cause the ATM togenerate audible outputs responsive to the text-to-speech data stored inthe file. For example, in the above example, the screen data followingthe brackets may correspond to text-to-speech data. The monitoringsoftware may be operative to place this text-to speech data in an HTMfile along with HTM tags, Java script and/or other interpreted codewhich is operative to cause the ATM to process the text-to-speech datawith text-to-speech devices 62 and/or software on the machine.

In one exemplary embodiment, the HTM text-to-speech file may referencean Active X control or other external software. The ATM may include abrowser or other HTML responsive software which is operative to read theHTM text-to-speech file and in response to the file access and/or sendthe screen data as an argument to an ActiveX control. The ActiveXcontrol may be programmed to accesses and/or cause the text-to-speechdevice or software of the ATM to convert the text-to-speech data tocorresponding audible outputs.

In the above example, the text-to-speech device and/or software wouldoutput verbal instructions representative of the spoken command “Pleaseselect your transaction. For a withdrawal press 1. To make a deposit,press 2, To transfer money, press 3.”

In an exemplary embodiment, the text-to-speech data may includeadditional attributes which are not intended to be spoken but areintended to configure the operation of the text-to-speech device and/orsoftware. In the above example, the screen data begins with the fourcharacters “_(—)000.” The text-to-speech device and/or software may beresponsive to these characters to determine which human language to usewhen generating verbal instructions from the text-to-speech data. Forexample, the beginning characters “_(—)000” may correspond to the humanlanguage English. As a result, the text-to-speech device and/or softwaremay convert the subsequent text-to-speech data to audible outputs whichcorrespond to an English pronunciation of the text-to-speech data.

In the exemplary embodiment, the terminal control software of themachine may be operative to access the text-to-speech files responsiveto screen data files. Thus, when the ATM produces a visible outputresponsive to a particular screen data file, the screen file mayreference an associated text-to-speech file which describes the featuresof the visible output.

With the above described exemplary embodiment, both visual screen dataand associated text-to-speech data can be updated on an ATM usingstandard or legacy ATM protocols and messages from a host bankingsystem. In addition, for each state of an ATM, screen data andassociated text-to-speech data may be downloaded to the PC in multiplelanguages. Depending on the language preference of the user operatingthe machine, terminal control software in the ATM is operative to accessthe screen data and text-to-speech data which corresponds to thelanguage preferred by the user.

In further exemplary embodiments, the monitoring software may beoperative to monitor screen messages for the presence of screen data andresponsive thereto, saving the screen data in an ASCII text format orother format in a single display screen file on the hard drive of theATM. Further, the monitoring software may be operative to monitor forthe presence of state messages from a host banking system. Themonitoring software may be operative responsive to the detection of astate message to retrieve state information from the messages and storethe state information in a single state file.

In further exemplary embodiments, the monitoring software may beoperative to store screen data that comes from a host banking machine inan OAR message or as part of a screen update data field in a functioncommand message.

In exemplary embodiments, HTML code accessible to the ATM for generatinguser interfaces for operating the ATM may include the use of the “^”symbol or other symbol or tag which causes an HTML responsive program(such as a browser) to access one of the described text-to-speech,display screen, or state files generated by the monitoring software.

For example HTML code for generating a user interface may include thecommand ^0154. The “^” symbol may be detected by the browser accessingthe HTML code and in response thereto the browser may access atext-to-speech file such as “TTS154.TXT” from the appropriate languagedirector such as lang000. The text-to-speech file “TTS154.TXT” may havebeen created by the monitoring software responsive to a screen messageas discussed previously. In another example, the “^” or other symbol ortag may reference a display screen file generated using the monitoringsoftware such as the display screen file “SCR035.txt.” The data from thedisplay screen file may be incorporated into a visual display screengenerated by the ATM. By referencing such text-to-speech, visual displayscreen, or state files from HTML code, the ATM can be dynamical updatedto display visual or output audible information representative ofdifferent surcharge amounts, or low bill denominations without having toalter the programming of the host system software.

A further exemplary embodiment may include a sound configurationsoftware component which is operative to aid a technician with theprocess of configuring an ATM to provide audible outputs with verbalinstruction. In one exemplary embodiment, the sound configurationsoftware may be located on a portable medium such as a CD/DVD disk orother storage medium. The portable medium may be placed in acorresponding reading device of the ATM (e.g., CD/DVD reader) and thesound configuration software may be executed from the portable medium.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sound configuration software may beoperative to configure and/or update an ATM to include sound softwareand/or data necessary to enable the ATM to generate audible outputs withverbal instructions. Such sound software may include text-to-speechsynthesizer software, the previously described monitoring software,and/or any other sound system related software or data.

The sound configuration software may also be operative to copy from theportable medium verbal instruction data (e.g., text-to-speech files, WAVfiles, and/or MP3 files) which corresponds to display screens providedby the ATM which are not typically retrieved from a host. For example,ATMs may include an off-line screen if the ATM is powered on withouthaving a communication connection with a host banking system. ATMs mayalso include an out of service screen if they have communication withthe host established but have not received screen messages from thehost. ATMs may also include screens to handle situations where atransaction will require a particular device which is currently beingserviced or where the device requires interaction with the user. Forthese described screens, the sound configuration software may beoperative to copy from the portable medium verbal instruction data tothe ATM which is operative to cause the ATM to generate audible outputswhich verbally describe these screens.

In addition, manufacturers of ATMs often produce many different modelsof ATM with different physical shapes and sizes. Different models mayhave the display screen, keypad, cash dispenser, and other devicespositioned in different locations with respect to each other. Further,even for the same model of ATMs, the positions of some devices may belocated in a plurality of different positions depending on thepreferences of the owner and/or operator of the ATM.

Because the audible outputs from the ATM may include verbal instructionswhich describe the location of the devices on the ATM, different ATMsmay require verbal instruction data which is customized to the physicalconfiguration of the ATM.

In this described exemplary embodiment, the sound configuration softwaremay cause the computer of the ATM to output a tutorial which prompts thetechnician to input information representative of what devices areinstalled on the ATM and/or where on the ATM the devices are located.For example, not all ATMs include a depository mechanism or coindispenser. Thus, an exemplary embodiment of the sound configurationsoftware may query the technician to determine whether a depositorymechanism or coin dispenser is present. If a depositary mechanism isdetermined by the configuration software to be present, the soundconfiguration software may further query the technician to determine thelocation of the depositary mechanism relative a fixed point such as thescreen or other landmark on the ATM.

In exemplary embodiments, the sound configuration software may furtherquery the technician as to the type of devices installed on the ATM. Forexample, ATMs may include different types of card readers such as aninsert reader, swipe reader, vertical DIP reader, or horizontal DIPreader. An exemplary embodiment of the sound configuration software maybe operative to prompt the technician to select which type of cardreader is installed.

Based on the answers provided by the technician, the sound configurationsoftware may copy data files from the portable medium to the hard driveof the ATM which are operative to correctly configure the ATM to provideaudible outputs customized to the physical configuration of the ATM. Asa result, after the sound configuration software has configured the ATM,the ATM may be operative to provide audible outputs with verbalinstructions which accurately describe the locations of devices (e.g.,“to the right of the monitor”) and their method of use (e.g., “insertcard” or “swipe card vertically”).

In an exemplary embodiment, the answers provided by the technicianassociated with the location and/or type of devices installed on the ATMmay be stored in a data store on the ATM. A tutorial included with thesound configuration software may present configuration options for thesound software being configured responsive to the data in this datastore. In exemplary embodiments, this data store may remain on the harddrive of the ATM. Thus the next time the sound configuration software isexecuted from the portable medium, the tutorial may proceed using thedata provided by the technician previously rather than forcing thetechnician to re-answer each question regarding the location and/or typeof devices on the ATM. However, exemplary embodiments of the soundconfiguration software may also enable the technician to update the datastored in the data store as needed.

In further exemplary embodiments, the portable medium may be customizedfor different customers of the manufacturer of the ATMs. For example, acustomer may have a relatively small set of combinations of ATM modelsand associated devices. For this customer, a custom portable medium maybe created which includes sound configuration software which prompts theuser with questions specific to the range of ATM models and associateddevices the customer is expected to have. Thus, if the customer only hasinsert type card readers, the sound configuration software on thecustomer specific portable medium may be operative to not prompt thetechnician as to the type of card reader installed on the ATM. Further,the customer specific portable medium may include audible output datawhich generates audible outputs specific to the customer. For example, atext-to-speech file associated with a welcome screen of the ATM mayinclude the name of the customer (e.g., “Welcome to Bank XYZ”).

Thus, the new automated banking machine audible user interface systemand method of the present invention achieves one or more of the abovestated objectives, eliminates difficulties encountered in the use ofprior devices and systems, solves problems and attains the desirableresults described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to thoseskilled in the art to be capable of performing the recited function, andshall not be limited to the features and structures shown herein or mereequivalents thereof. The description of the exemplary embodimentincluded in the Abstract included herewith shall not be deemed to limitthe invention to features described therein.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in theappended claims.

1. A cash dispensing automated banking machine comprising: at least onecomputer a cash dispenser in operative connection with the at least onecomputer; an external port in operative connection with the at least onecomputer, wherein the external port is adapted to enable a portablespeaker device to be releasibly connected thereto by a user performing atransaction with the machine; wherein the at least one computer isoperative to determine whether the portable speaker device is connectedto the external port, wherein when the portable speaker device isdetermined to not be connected to the external port, the at least onecomputer is operative to cause a display device to output visibleinformation associated with the transaction, wherein when the portablespeaker device is determined to be connected to the external port, theat least one computer is operative to: cause the display device tooutput a message indicating that information not being shown through thedisplay device may be displayed through the display device by providingan input through an input device of the machine; prior to receiving theinput, not cause the display device to output the visible informationassociated with the transaction and to cause the external port toproduce an audible output through the portable speaker device whichincludes verbal information associated with the transaction; and afterreceiving the input: i) cause the display device to output the visibleinformation associated with the transaction; and ii) cause the externalport to produce an audible output through the portable speaker devicewhich includes verbal information associated with the transaction. 2.The machine according to claim 1, wherein the visible informationincludes visible instructions for operating the automated bankingmachine, wherein the verbal information includes verbal instructions foroperating the automated banking machine.
 3. The machine according toclaim 2, further comprising at least one input device in operativeconnection with the at least one computer, wherein the visibleinstructions and the verbal instructions prompt a user to provide the atleast one input through use of the at least one input device.
 4. Themachine according to claim 3, wherein the at least one input correspondsto an amount of value.
 5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein theat least one computer is operative to cause the cash dispenser todispense cash in an amount that corresponds to the amount of value. 6.The machine according to claim 4, further comprising a depositorymechanism, wherein the at least one computer is operative to cause thedepository mechanism to accept at least one item which is associatedwith the amount of value.
 7. The machine according to claim 6, whereinthe at least one item includes a check.
 8. The machine according toclaim 1, wherein the visible information includes an amount of value,wherein the verbal information includes the amount of value.
 9. Themachine according to claim 8, wherein the amount of value includes anaccount balance.
 10. The machine according to claim 1, wherein theportable speaker device includes a headphone.
 11. The machine accordingto claim 1, wherein when the portable speaker device is determined to beconnected to the external port, the at least one computer is operativeto cause the display device to output an advertisement.
 12. The machineaccording to claim 1, wherein when the portable speaker device isdetermined to be connected to the external port, the at least onecomputer is operative to cause the display device to output a messageindicating that information is not being shown through the displaydevice while the portable speaker device is connected to the machine.13. A method comprising: a) determining through operation of at leastone computer of an automated banking machine, that a portable speakerdevice is connected to an external port of the automated bankingmachine, wherein the automated banking machine includes a cashdispenser, a display device, and an input device; b) through operationof the at least one computer, causing the automated banking machine toperform a first transaction, wherein when the portable speaker device isnot connected to the external port, the automated banking machine isoperative to output through the display device of the automated bankingmachine, visible information associated with the transaction; and c)through operation of the at least one computer responsive to (a): i) notoutputting through the display device of the automated banking machine,the visible information associated with the transaction; ii) causing theexternal port to produce an audible output through the portable speakerdevice which includes verbal information associated with thetransaction; and iii) outputting through the display device of theautomated banking machine a message indicating that information notbeing shown through the display device may be displayed through thedisplay device by providing an input through the input device of theautomated banking machine; and d) through operation of the at least onecomputer responsive to receiving the input: i) outputting through thedisplay device of the automated banking machine the visible informationassociated with the transaction; and ii) causing the external port toproduce an audible output through the portable speaker device whichincludes verbal information associated with the transaction.
 14. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein in (b) the visible informationincludes visible instructions for operating the automated bankingmachine, wherein the verbal information includes verbal instructions foroperating the automated banking machine.
 15. The method according toclaim 14, wherein the visible instructions and the verbal instructionsprompt a user to provide at least one input through at least one inputdevice of the machine, wherein (b) is carried out responsive to the atleast one input.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein in (b)the at least one input corresponds to an amount of value.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein (b) comprises: dispensing, throughoperation of the cash dispenser, an amount of cash that corresponds tothe amount of value.
 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein (b)comprises: receiving a deposit, through operation of a depositorymechanism of the automated banking machine, at least one item which isassociated with the amount of value.
 19. The method according to claim18, wherein in (b), the at least one item includes at least one check.20. The method according to claim 13, wherein in (b) the visibleinformation includes an amount of value, wherein the verbal informationincludes the amount of value.
 21. The method according to claim 20,wherein in (b) the amount of value includes an account balance.
 22. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein in (a) the portable speaker deviceincludes a headphone.
 23. The method according to claim 13, and furthercomprising, wherein when the portable speaker device is determined in(a) to be connected to the external port, outputting through the displaydevice of the automated banking machine an advertisement.
 24. The methodaccording to claim 13, and further comprising, wherein when the portablespeaker device is determined in (a) to be connected to the externalport, outputting through the display device of the automated bankingmachine a message indicating that information is not being shown throughthe display device while the portable speaker device is connected to themachine.
 25. Computer readable media bearing computer executableinstructions operative to cause at least one computer in an automatedbanking machine to cause the automated banking machine to carry out amethod comprising: a) determining through operation of the at least onecomputer of the automated banking machine, that a portable speakerdevice is connected to an external port of the automated bankingmachine, wherein the automated banking machine includes a cashdispenser, a display device, and an input device; b) through operationof the at least one computer, causing the automated banking machine toperform a first transaction, wherein when the portable speaker device isnot connected to the external port, the automated banking machine isoperative to output through the display device of the automated bankingmachine, visible information associated with the transaction; and c)through operation of the at least one computer responsive to (a): i) notoutputting through the display device of the automated banking machinethe visible information associated with the transaction; ii) causing theexternal port to produce an audible output through the portable speakerdevice which includes verbal information associated with thetransaction; and iii) outputting through the display device of theautomated banking machine a message indicating that information notbeing shown through the display device may be displayed through thedisplay device by providing an input through the input device of theautomated banking machine; and d) through operation of the at least onecomputer responsive to receiving the input: i) outputting through thedisplay device of the automated banking machine the visible informationassociated with the transaction; and ii) causing the external port toproduce an audible output through the portable speaker device whichincludes verbal information associated with the transaction.